Panel fasteners



Oct. 14, 1969 l. BERKowlTz 3,472,545

PANEL FASTENERS Filed April 2o, 19e? 5 sheets-sheet z.

oct. 14, 1969 l, L. BERKOWITZ 3,472,545

PANEL FASTENERS Filed April 20, 196'? 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 o o ,Z f4 f4??? Hl /35 INVENTOR. .ZZV/M6' l. BEE/fW/TZ l. L. BERKOWITZ PANEL FASTENERS Oct. 14, 1969 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 20, 1967 INVESTOR.

Jew/v6 .4. few M72 @LIQ Armi/var Oct. 14, 1969 l. L. BERKowlTz PANEL FASTENERS 5 Sheets-Sheet Filed April 20, 1967 INVENTOR. Lew/v6 @521mm TZ ATTORNEY oct. 14, 1969 Filed April 20, 1967 l. l.. BERKOWITZ PANEL FASTENERS 5 Sheets-Sheet United States Patent O U.S. Cl. 292-111 9 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The panel fastener comprises a casing provided with a bearing in which a circular cam is eccentrically mounted, with a latch rotatably mounted on the cam, said latch having a hook to engage a pin, said cam having a socket to be engaged by a tool for turning the cam, to thereby draw the latch sideways, and said cam having stop means engeable with a stop pin on the casing to limit rotation of the cam, and hence limit side movement of the latch. An insert is provided for the cam to frictionally engage the latch to prevent free rotation of the latch relative to the cam. Means is also provided to hold the latch partly within the casing during shipment.

Brief summary of the invention This invention relates to panel fasteners.

In one form of the invention, the panel fastener com' prises a single casing which may be attached to a panel and from which the latch hook extends for engagement with a pin. In another form of the invention two casings are provided, one carrying the latch and attachable to one panel and the other attachable to another panel and carrying a pin to be engaged by the latch. In still another form of the invention, the fastener has a latch at one end and a pin at the other, whereby a plurality of such fasteners may be connected in series by engaging the latches of said fasteners with the pins of adjacent fasteners.

One object of the invention is to provide a fastener of the character described comprising a casing having a bearing, a cam having a circular portion, and an eccentric hub, the latter being journalled in the bearing and provided with a socket to receive a wrench or tool to turn the cam, a latch having a round opening rotatably receiving said circular portion of the cam, and the cam having a groove at its periphery receiving an insert of plastic material which frictionally engages the inner edge of the latch at its circular opening to prevent free relative rotation between the latch and said cam.

Another `object of this invention is to provide a fastener of the character described in which the casing has a stop pin to engage a stop on the latch to limit its rotary movement relative to the casing.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide, a strong, rugged and durable panel fastener of the character described which shall be relatively inexpensive to manufacture, easy to assemble, and which shall yet be smooth and positive in action, easy to manipulate and practical and eicient to a high degree in use.

Other objects of `this invention will in part be obvious and in part hereinafter pointed out.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter described, and of which the scope of invention will be indicated in the following claims.

Brief description of several views of the drawing In the accompanying drawing, in which are shown various illustrative embodiments of this invention,

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a panel fastener embodying the invention;

3,472,545 Patented Oct. 14, 1969 ICC FIG. 2 is a side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 4-4 of FIG. l;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional View taken on line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 6--6 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a side view ofthe cam;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of said cam;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the insert for said cam;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of panel fasteners, illustrating another form of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 11-11 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional View taken on line 12-12 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a partial horizontal cross-sectional view illustrating the embedding of the fastener of FIGS. 10-13 in polyeurethane panels;

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view illustrating'a panel fastener embodying a further modified form of the invention; and

FIG. 15 is a top view of the structure shown in FIG. 14.

Detailed rescription of the invention Referring now in detail to FIGS. 1-9 of the drawing, 10 designates a panel fastener embodying the invention.

The fastener 10 comprises a casing 11.. Said casing comprises parts 12 and 13. Part 12 comprises a vertical wall 14 from the rear vertical end of which there extends outwardly, a vertical flange 15 at right angles to said wall; and from the lower end of which there extends inwardly, a horizontal ange 16 spaced below the lower edge 15a of flange 15. Flange 15 is formed with openings 15b to receive fasteners for attachment to a panel. Fall 14 is provided with a circular bearing 18 formed by an annular hub 19 of outwardly opening U shaped cross-section.

Part 13 is disposed symmetrically to part 12 and comprises a wall 20 parallel to wall 14 in opposed coextensive relation thereto. Extending outwardly from wall 20 is a flange 21 in the plane of ange 15 and coextensive therewith. Extending inwardly from the lower end of wall 20 is a horizontal ange 22 contacting the upper surface of flange 16 and welded thereto as at 23 to connect parts 12, 13. Said parts are also interconnected by a transverse pi-n 25 having reduced diameter studs 25u passing through openings 26 located near the upper ends of walls 14, 20 and near flanges 15, 21. Studs 25a may be riveted over if desired.

Wall 20 is provided with a bearing 27 aligned with bearing 18. Bearing 27 is formed by an annular outwardly opening bead, rim or hub 28 of U-shaped crosssection. Pin 25 is located above the bearings 18, 27 and adjacent ilanges 15. =Flange 21 has openings 21a for receiving fasteners for attachment to a panel.

A pair of short transverse stop` pins 30 project from walls y14, 20 into the space between said walls, adjacent flanges 15, 21 and below the pin 25.

Rotatably mounted in bearings 18, 27 is a cam member 35 located between parts 12, 13. Cam 3S comprises a central wall 36 located between the hubs or beads 19, Z8. Integrally formed with wall 36 are eccentric hub extensions 37 provided with a hexagonal through opening 38. The hub 37 extends to opposite sides of wall 36 as at 38 and said extensions have circular outer surfaces 39. The extensions 37 are rotatably received Iin bearings 18, 27. Wall 36 has a circular outer edge 40. Surfaces 39 have -inner tangency to edge 40.

The outer end edges 41 of hub extensions 37 are in the planes of the rim edges of hubs 19, 28, which in turn are in the planes of the outer surfaces of walls 14, 20, respectively.

Also integrally formed with wall 36 and extending to opposite sides thereof are similar symmetrically disposed wings, or extensions 43 the outer surfaces of which are extensions of surface 40. The wings 43 have aligned lower edge ends 45 radial with respect to the axis of hub 37. Said cam 35 is also formed at its outer periphery with a transverse groove `4'7 of dove-tail cross-section. The groove 47 is in the iwings 4-3. A diametric plane passing through the axis of hub 37 bisects groove 47.

It will now be noted that a key, wrench or tool may be inserted into hexagonal opening 38 and cam 35 rotated in a clockwise direction until stop edges 45 contact the pins 30.

Mounted on the central Iwall 36 of the cam is a latch 50. Latch 50 has a central opening 511 rotatably receiving said wall 36. Latch 50 has a rear part-circular outer edge 52. Pins 30 are located radially beyond said edge 52 as shown in FIG. 4. Latch 50 is yin a plane disposed between pins 30 so that said latch may move between said pins.

The outer end edges 43a of wings 43 loosely contact the inner surfaces of walls 14, 20.

The latch is loosely mounted between the hubs 19, 28.

Said latch v50 has a top horizontal edge 53 which extends forwardly from the upper end of partcircular edge 52. Extending -upwardly and forwardly from the opposite end of part-circular edge 52 is an inclined edge S4 extending to the horizontal level of a horizontal plane passing through the axis of hub 37, when said Ilatch is in operative position, as shown in FIG. 4. Extending forwardly from the upper end of edge 54 is a horizontal edge 55. Between edges 53, 55 is an arm or extension 56 provided at its forward end with a downwardly extending hook or tongue 57.

T-he latch is adapted to engage a pin or keeper 60 which may be located on any part or mechanism to be drawn relatively toward casing 11. Pin 60 is located to engage the latch, with edge 55 in horizontal position, in the plane of the axis of hub extensions 37, when the latch Iis fully extended.

An insert 62 is tted into groove 47. Insert 62 is made of nylon or any other plastic or other material which will provide friction with the Iinner edge 51 of latch 50. The insert 62 is of dove-tail cross-section and has a part cylindrical outer surface 62a engaging edge 51. The length of the insert is equal to the length of the groove 47 The insert prevents free rotation of the latch on the cam.

It will now be understood that as the cam 35 is rotated in a clockwise direction, the latch, and hence the pin 60, will be drawn to the left relative to casing 11 until stop edge 45 contacts stop pins 30. The total movement of the pin is equal to twice the distance from the axis of the cam hub to the axis of the central wall of the cam. The cam acts as a crank for the latch during the rotation of the cam through an angle of 180. Stop pins 30 are located to limit rotation of the cam through 180 from start to dinish. As the cam is rotated its central axis moves in a circle having a center at the center of hub extensions 37.

At the upper edge 53 of the latch 50 is an inclined notch 65 so located that when the latch is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, arm 56 will move up between walls 14, and pin 25 can be engaged in said notch to retain the latch in vertical position, for shipment or storage. Notch 65 has an inclined edge 65a and a partcircular edge 65b, as shown in FIG. 4, for this purpose.

The cam 35 may be manipulated to engage the notch edge with said pin 25. To engage the latch with pin 25, the latch may tirst be rotated on the cam in a counterclockwise direction until pin is contacted. Then the cam is rotated counteraclockwise until the pin engages in the notch.

The inner surfaces 43h of wings `43 are concave, being 4 part-circular and rotatably engaging the outer circular surfaces of hubs 19, 28.

Thus, the radial axis of arcuate surfaces 4311 of Wings 43 is the axis of hub 37 and the beads or hubs 19, 28 are located between hubs 37 and surfaces 43h.

Casing =11 vmay be attached to one panel and pin 60 may be located on another panel, and the panels may be drawn together by means of the mechanism disclosed herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-13 of the drawings, 10a designates a panel fastener embodying a modified construction which may be used for unframed polyeurethane foamed panels. The fastener 10a comprises a part 70 carrying a latch 50 and a part 71 carrying a pin 72 engagable by said latch.

Part 70 comprises a casing 73. Casing 73 comprises casing parts 74, 75.

Part 74 has a vertical wall 76 from which extend top and bottom flanges 77, 78, respectively. Part 75 has a wall 79 parallel to wall 76. Extending from wall 79 are top and bottom anges 80, 81 contacting the top of flange 77 and bottom of flange 78, respectively. Flanges 77, 78 may be welded to flanges 80, 81, respectively.

Extending up from flange 80 is a vertical flange 82. Extending down from iiange 81 is a rflange 83. Flanges 82, 83 are coplanar. Flanges 80, 82 and 81, 83 extend beyond Wall 75. Extending from Wall 7 5 is a vertical ange 85 contactin-g wall 7 6.

Interconnecting the outer ends of flanges 80, 82 and 81, 83 is a winged vertical member 90. Member 90 has contacting portions 91, 92 connected by a fold 93. Extending from portions 91, 92 are forwardly and outwardly inclined wings 94, 95, respectively. The upper and lower ends of member may be welded to the flanges 80, 82 and 81, 83.

Walls 75, 76 are constructed like walls 14, 20 and rotatably carry a cam 35 on which -the latch 60 is mounted in the same manner as in fastener 10 and has stop pins like stop pins 30 land a pin like pin 25.

Part 7-1 comprises a casing with extensions connected by a winged member symmetrical to corresponding elements of part 70. However, the casing of part 71 carries the pin 72 to be engaged by the latch 60.

The two casings may be embedded in polyeurethane foam panels 97, 98, respectively. These panels may be drawn together by turning the cam on part 70, with the latch engaging the pin 72 on part 71.

In FIGS. 14 and 15 there is shown 'a panel fastener 10b comprising casings 100, 101 interconnected by bars 102, 103. Casing carries the latch 50 and its related structure as in FIGS. 1-9 Whereas casing 10'1 carries the pin 103a to he engaged by a latch of a similar fastener 10b. The latch of fastener 10b engages a pin 103a on a next adjacent fastener 10b.

Thus a plurality of such fasteners may be attached together lin tandem. Each fastener may carry a panel, so that a plurality of such panels may be attached together. The fasteners 10b may be encased in polyeurethane foam panels if desired.

It will thus be seen that there is provided an article in which the several objects of this invention are achieved, and which is well adapted to meet the conditions of practical use.

As possible embodiments might be made of the above invention, and as various changes might be made in the embodiments above set forth, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawing, is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. In a panel fastener, support means, a cam, means for mounting said cam on said support means for rotation about a first axis, a latch mounted for rotation on said calm Aabout a second :axis offset with respect to the iirst axis and parallel thereto, a stop iixed on said cam, and

stop means iixed on said support means to be engaged by said stop on -said cam, upon rotating said cam in one direction of rotation, said support means comprising -a casing, said means for mounting said cam for rotation on said support means comprising -a bearing on the casing `an-d said cam comprising a Wall provided with a hub extending to one side of said wall vand journalled in said bearing said means for mounting said latch on said cam comprising a circular outer edge on said Wall of said cam rotatably received in a circular opening in said latch, said stop on said cam comprising 1a wing on said wall having an outer surface which is -an extension of said circular edge, and said wing having `an end edge to en-gage said stop means on said support means.

2. The combination of claim 1, said wing having an inner, concave, arcuate surface, said bearing on said casing having a portion received between said hub and said concave sur-face, the radial center of said concave surface being the axis of rotation of said cam on said support means.

3. In a panel fastener, support means, a cam, means for mounting said cam on said support means for rotation about a rst axis, a latch mounted for rotation on said cam about a second axis offset With respect to the iirst axis land parallel thereto, a stop fixed on said cam, and stop means xed on said lsupport means to be en gaged by said stop on said cam, upon rotating said cam in one direction of rotation, said cam having a central wlall, formed with a circular outer edge, said iatch having -a` circular opening receiving said circular edge, said stop on said cam comprising wings projecting to opposite sides of said central wall and formed with end edges, said stop means on said support means comprising stop pins on said casing walls to engage said end edges.

4. Ihe combination of claim 3, and means to frictionally prevent tree rotation of said latch on said cam, comprising an insert of non-metallic material, received in a notch in the periphery of said central wall and in said wings and engaging the inner edge of Said latch -at the opening of said latch,

5. The combination of claim `4, said insert and said groove being of dove-tail transverse cross-section, and said insert having a part-cylindrical outer surf-ace.

6. In a panel fastener, 'support means, a cam, means for mounting said cam on said support means for rotation about a iirst axis, -a latch mounted for rotation on said cam about a second axis offset with respect to the first axis and parallel thereto, la stop xed on said cam, and stop means ixed on said support means to be engaged by said stop on said cam, upon rotating said ycam in one direction of rotation, said stop on said cam comprising a Wing on said cam, hav-ing an end edge to engage said stop means on isaid support means, said cam having 4a circular outer edge.

7. The combination of claim 6, said wing havin-g an outer surface which is an extension of said circular edge.

8. In a panel fastener, support means, a cam, means for mounting said cam on said support means for rotation about a iirst axis, a latch mounted `fior rotation on said cam about a second axis offset with respect to the iirst axis and parallel thereto, a stop -ixed on said cam, and stop means fixed on said support means to be engaged by said stop on said cam, upon rotating said cam in one direction of rotation, said means for mounting said latch on said cam, comprising a circular edge on said cam, an-d sai-d latch having a circular opening rotatably receiving said circular edge, said stop on said cam comprising a wing on said cam, and said Wing having an end edge to engage said stop means onI said support means.

9. The combinationl of claim 8, said wing having an outer surface which is an extension oi said circular edge.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,647,287 8/1953 Jones 292-111 X 2,738,211 3/ 1956 Schlueter 292--111 3,341,233 9/1967 Cushman 292-111 X I. KARL BELL, Prima-ry Examiner 

